OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK — Firefighters are preparing for increased activity on a lightning-caused fire in the Queets River valley today as weather conditions are expected to be of concern throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Increased temperatures and low relative humidity combined with possible lightning could challenge fire managers, increasing growth of the so-called Paradise Fire and raising the potential for new wildfires to start, fire officials said.
Fire conditions continue to be well above normal for late June throughout the fire area, which experienced the driest spring in 120 years.
The fire is burning in the remote wilderness backcountry within the park, along the Queets River and through steep canyons and rocky areas.
The fire is burning north-northeast up toward the rocky top of Pelton Peak and eastward over Pelton Ridge. At lower elevations, the fire is being carried along by lichens, which are extremely dry for this time of year.
Olympic National Park has instituted a ban on open fires in the park’s wilderness backcountry, including all locations along the coast. Campfires are permitted only in established fire grates at established front country campgrounds.
The burn restriction will remain in place until further notice.
Camp stoves may still be used in the park’s wilderness backcountry, but should be operated well away from flammable vegetation and forest litter. Because of the extreme conditions on the peninsula, Olympic National Forest has also implemented fire restrictions.
Information on the Paradise Fire can be obtained via Inciweb at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4305/, and by calling Paradise Fire Information at 360-565-2986. For real time information, visit the Paradise Fire Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Paradise-Fire/831205013596015.
Earlier report:
By Rob Ollikainen
Peninsula Daily News
PORT ANGELES — A wildfire burning deep in the Olympic Mountains remained quiet Thursday thanks to continued cool temperatures and high humidity, officials said.
The Paradise Fire in the remote Queets River valley in West Jefferson County was still measured at 949 acres at about noon Thursday, said Diane Avendrop, spokeswoman for the multi-agency team managing the fire.
“We didn’t show any growth” from Wednesday, she said.
“Yesterday was a pause day. Today, we’ll probably see a little growth.”
In national park
The smoldering fire is in Olympic National Park on the floodplain and hillsides north of the Queets River valley near Paradise Creek, about 13 miles northeast of Quinault.
Crews continue to hold the fire east of Bob Creek and north of the Queets River, officials said.
Avendrop said the fire is “very much weather-driven” and could flare up as temperatures rise over the weekend.
“Increased fire activity is expected on the Paradise Fire, and new fires are anticipated from potential lightning strikes,” a Thursday incident report said.
Because of the high fire potential, Olympic National Park has banned open fires in the park’s wilderness backcountry, including the wilderness coast.
Effective today, Olympic National Forest has banned fires, except in approved fireplaces in recreation areas.
Campfires are allowed only in fire rings in developed campgrounds.
Due to extreme fire potential, campfires will not be allowed at Lena Lake and Elkhorn campgrounds on the Hood Canal Ranger District, and at Campbell Tree Grove and Littleton Horse Camp campgrounds on the Pacific Ranger District. Stove fires are allowed.
A total of 102 people are now assigned to the Paradise Fire, including two ground crews, three helicopter crews and support personnel.
A local management team provided a briefing and orientation Wednesday to the Pacific Northwest National Incident Management Organization, which took command of the fire Thursday.
A community meeting in Quinault drew 23 citizens Wednesday night.
Officials have said the Paradise Fire began with a lightning strike around May 17, smoldered for about a month and was discovered June 14.
It had burned 300 acres by the time it was discovered.
Updates on the fire are posted at www.tinyurl.com/PDN-Paradise.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5072, or at rollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
